The big snow arrived in DC today. We woke up to 9 inches (yes, I measured it) and we're expecting 10-15 more today! I love snow. I hate the mess that comes with it. And everytime it snows, I marvel at the fact that I lived in a place where it snowed for four months straight. That's right, baby.....FOUR months! We didn't see the grass until mid April. Can I tell you what a mess it is to deal with snowsuits on a baby and toddler everyday? It sucks!
Our house is widely outfitted for most weather around here, and we have more hats, gloves, mittens and snow "things" than most of our neighbors. This also includes a million sleds, snowball makers and shovels. Outfitting for snow in most parts of the country is hard. Unless you're in places like Chicago, Upstate New York , Utah or Michigan, you're never really sure of your snow needs from year to year. Although, even here in the DC-are, my kids need gear at least 10 days out of the year.
So here is my official Baby Bunching Snow Outfit Guide. The idea is that when bad weather strikes your kids are ready to play. May it bring you and your kids fun (while staying warm and dry) in the snow.
1) Snowsuit. This is a hard investment to swallow if you live in a place like Atlanta, Texas or even North Carolina. However, I promise you there are always people looking to get rid of one that their child wore one or two times. If your child is walking age, get a snowsuit that will really keep him/her dry and warm. You can try to save money by buying it at Target, but I don't recommend it. All the wintery things I have bought there--mittens, boots, coats have been bust when you really need to keep the wet out. If you're in a place where it doesn't snow more than a few times a year, a snow bib (this one from LLBean) might be the best thing since it means you're not having to purchase a coat....basically just the pants. But make sure they are waterproof. Please.
Some places to buy--most of these places are having sales NOW: Lands End (check out their overstocks after winter or even in September...you'll get GREAT deals). LLBean (their snowsuits/bibs come with an extra inch stitched in them so you can let it out the next year). Polarn O. Pyret. (If you live in a cold, snowy place, this really is your best bet for gear with wrist warmers, and ways to cinch the arms to adjust to different lengths.) If you're looking at less snow in your area, try the thrift stores, Craigslist and consignment shops early or after the season.
2) Boots. My biggest mistake on this was buying Target. They are warm, but not very waterproof. Again Lands End are usually a good price and can be found on sale on the overstocks (if you're not picky about color). LLBean boots are fabulous. Both my kids wore a pair and then I passed them along to a friend for small price and they looked brand new. As a Baby Buncher, I suggest buying a really good pair every few years since they will be passed down and buy a neutral color. Vincent Shoes, a Swedish brand, makes some of the best boots. They are even running a 50% off sale now. Tip: Buy bigger than you need. You can always add socks but small boots do not make playing fun. When you're done with the boots, sell them off to a Baby Bunching friend.
3) Gloves. The best part of being in the snow is playing with it like sand. A nice waterPROOF pair of gloves/mittens will be a huge help. The best thing about these is your kids do not outgrow them like they do shoes. Spend the $20 on a GOOD pair and you will get a few years out of them....you always know someone in your house will be able to wear them again. Also, just as a note, look to make sure they have something to help you get them on: zipper, velco, etc. Same recs for gloves: LLBean, Lands End and Polarn O. Pyret.
4) Hat. Since most coats have hoods, my thinking here is you just need something to keep little heads warm and dry. A ski hat or one that covers the ears is perfect. Unless you're child is playing in a blizzard, then you're probably OK with less. But the same retail stores listed above have all kinds of fun, furry, woolly and warm hats to meet your needs.
One thing to keep in mind here, is that with the exception of the gloves and hats, your other kids will be wearing these too. So if you can manage it, it's better to spend a little more to get ones that will last. There's nothing worse than spending $20 on something and realizing if you spend $10 more it would have lasted through ALL your kids and not just one. One other thing to mention is not waiting until snow is forecasted because you'll spend more time running around town looking for snow gear and it will be gone. Buy it sooner rather than later.
For those of you who live in really cold/snowy places...what have I missed and what items can't you live without?
**(No one has given me money to talk about these products. However, I do work part time for Polarn O. Pyret, but loved their gear even before I did.)
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